mmm mmm mmm Roasty!
Written: Jun 23 '08 (Updated Apr 07 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Well-balanced and very flavorful taste; very smooth; not too filling.
Cons: I didn't realize the flavor improves at slightly warmer temperatures until it was too late.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a robust, roasty beer with more flavor than your typical ale this would be a good choice.
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| Chad9976's Full Review: Saranac Brown Ale |
It’s funny how a little bit of a difference can go a long way. Saranac Brown Ale reminds me a lot of Sam Adams Scotch Ale in that they both have a very roasty, almost smoky taste to them. The difference being Saranac’s taste is well-balanced while Sam Adam’s is overwhelming. I was actually expecting a sweeter beer, but a beer with a significant, balanced roasted flavor that’s smooth suits me just fine.
POUR, COLOR AND AROMA
Considering the name, it’s no surprise Saranac Brown Ale pours to a medium brown/reddish hue, not unlike Newcastle Brown Ale. It forms a caramel-colored, fairly creamy head which lingers for a little while but leaves no lacing on the glass.
There isn’t much scent to this beer other than a fairly standard malty aroma. However, from the aroma alone you can tell this beer is going to have a roasted flavor.
TASTE
Once again I seem to have done a beer a disservice by drinking it at too cold of a temperature. Straight out of the fridge, Saranac Brown Ale has an upfront taste of roasted hops and sweet malts. The label advertises a chocolate taste but I think the roastiness is the definitely element to the flavor. Also, there seems to be just the slightest hint of a smoke flavor to its palate, but maybe I tasted something else.
The beer has something of a “bonus” to its taste in that it sweetens significantly as it warms up. I’d like to give it another try by drinking it at a warmer temperature from the get-go, but I’ll have to wait for the next Saranac mix pack.
UPDATE: I did drink it warmer and it was MUCH sweeter!
FINISH
Smooth as can be, Saranac Brown Ale is a craft beer with the drinkability of a mass-market light lager. The mouthfeel is very soft and inviting, especially considering the flavor. It finishes very clean with almost no bite. Anybody should be able to drink this beer no problem.
BODY
Since this is an ale it’s no surprise it’s medium-bodied without being too filling. At 6% ABV, it would seem to be a much heavier beer, but it's surprisingly light. This would likely make a great session brew.
FINAL THOUGHTS
One of my all-time favorite beers is Newcastle Brown Ale, and even though Saranac Brown Ale isn’t quite the same, it does have similar characteristics. Those looking for an easy-to-drink ale that’s not too filling would be wise to give this beer a try.
OTHER BROWN ALES:
Brooklyn Brown Ale (4)
Long Trail Harvest (4)
Magic Hat Odd Notion Summer 2008 English Dark Mild (3)
Newcastle Brown Ale (5)
Otter Creek Copper Ale (4)
Samuel Adams Brown Ale (4)
ALSO BY SARANAC:
Saranac Adirondack Lager (3)
Saranac Belgian White (5)
Saranac Black & Tan (4)
Saranac Black Forest (4)
Saranac Golden Pilsener (3)
Saranac Hefeweizen (5)
Saranac India Pale Ale (4)
Saranac Kolsch (3)
Saranac Octoberfest (3)
Saranac Pale Ale (3)
Saranac Pomegranate Wheat (3)
Saranac Pumpkin Ale (4)
Saranac Summer Ale (3)
NOTE: watch the video version of this review at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogeNvL-yUj8
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Chad9976
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Chad Polenz
Location: Albany, New York
Reviews written: 657
Trusted by: 147 members
About Me:Check out Chad'z Beer Reviews on YouTube
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